Holy Sh**!! The Pearly Gates!!!

Wow! Who knew I'd make it to this place! I definitely thought I was going to the place with the uh, you know....brimstone and stuff. I definitely didn't think I'd run into this here in Tokyo! There's even a beauty salon next door so you can look your best before you enter the gateway to heaven. Where is St. Peter? Oh I mean Peter-San!!

USO Japan Service Salute 2011

Recipients of the USO Servicemember's Salute Award 2011

I took the chance to go with Elyce to the USO's Service Salute in Tokyo. I'm glad that I did. The Service Salute was really nice and recognized the achievements of some great servicemen. The folks at the USO in mainland Japan did a great job with the event. It was held at the New Sanno which is always a pleasure to stay at. The entertainment of the evening was a very excited and energetic Elvis impersonator. He definitely gets an A+ for crown participation. Whenever you can get a 3 Star Admiral onstage to sing "Jailhouse Rock", you've done a good job!

Elvis was great!

Elyce and I also got a chance to walk around Tokyo a bit. Elyce was in Tokyo earlier in the year but I haven't been to Tokyo since 2008 so it was nice reminiscing a little bit about the places I used to visit. I hate that we only had a few days to enjoy the city. Being in Okinawa, I think we sometimes get a little forgetful of the great Japanese culture. It's so evident as soon as you step foot in mainland Japan. I definitely missed being in such a vibrant city. I don't think we'll be able to get back until next year sometime, but I can't wait. Hopefully I get a chance to take Elyce to Kyoto which I think is a pretty awesome city as well.

Elyce and Yuko-san :)

Seated at our table with a very friendly group.

I'm a lucky guy!!

Elyce in Shibuya

Walking around in the Azabu residential area of Tokyo.

I found this park in the middle of the city...Amazing!

Peace in the middle of a bustling city.